Farmingdale

Slip-slidin’ away! There are few better ways to stay cool on Long Island this summer than by heading down a slippery water slide, splashing around in a refreshing swimming pool, or getting drenched at a water park. That's why we invite you to check out our list of the hottest spots on Long Island where kids and adults can stay cool, even on the most sweltering days. Check websites for rates and hours. Town pools are usually open to nonresidents, but they might have to pay a higher entry fee.

Baby, it's cold outside! And that means it's time to sign up for winter-worthy indoor activities. Luckily, Long Island serves up something for everyone, from infants to teens.

Warm up at a fitness class designed for new parents and their babies, or swim lessons in a heated aquatic center. Get kids moving and expressing their creativity with gym or art classes, or join a culturally rich sing-along for tots. The possibilities are seemingly endless. Search our Classes Guide and Directory Listings by type or location to help find the perfect fit.

Read on for some great options across Long Island that'll get you and the kids out of the house to have some serious fun. Snag a spot by enrolling now before the temperature drops any lower!

No matter what the season, and no matter where you live on Long Island, there’s a state park just waiting for you and your family.

From hiking in the fall to snow shoeing in the winter…from bird watching in the spring to camping in the summer, these gorgeous state parks have something special to offer Long Island families all year round.

To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of parks we believe are worth a visit. An Empire Pass gives you access to any New York state park for the year, but be sure to look at each park’s website for additional vehicle and/or entry fees and restrictions. Of course, Jones Beach and Robert Moses state parks are prime oceanside getaways in the summer; these parks offer year-round entertainment.

This summer when the sun goes down, chances are a free, family-friendly movie will be playing outdoors somewhere on Long Island. It’s an ideal way to spend family time under the stars. So spread a blanket, bring a few lawn chairs, pack some snacks or perhaps a picnic dinner, and enjoy the show.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is best to arrive early. And be sure to check each venue’s website for up-to-date information on weather-related cancelations.

Get your little gamers off the couch and out of the house at these awesome arcades on Long Island. As a bonus, most arcades are located at party places or sports complexes. Get the whole family (and friends) together for some bowling, laser tag or mini-golf, and cap off your trip with ticket-winning arcade games for a chance to win some valuable prizes.

What do a carousel, laser tag arena, and a roller coaster have in common? You can find them all INSIDE at @Play Amusements in Farmingdale. This new space feels more like an indoor amusement park than most of the play spaces and bounce spots found on Long Island.

Parents are always searching for family (and budget) friendly activities and places for the kiddies to blow off steam. Play places make for a good time--and so is the great outdoors (when it's warm enough)--but you can also find out-of-the-box fun at your local library. We looked into libraries across Nassau County that have over-the-top children's rooms and extraordinary activities to keep your family engaged and entertained. And don't worry about being silenced by the librarians here!